The AAP Magazine 56 Shadows contest is now open, inviting photographers worldwide to explore the evocative and artistic theme of shadows through their camera lenses. Organized by the renowned photography publication All About Photo, this international contest seeks creative images that capture the essence of shadows, whether mysterious, magical, intense, timeless, or nostalgic. The competition is open to diverse photographic approaches, accepting submissions across all genres including street photography, landscapes, portraits, and abstract compositions.
AAP Magazine 56 Shadows offers prizes totaling $1,000 in cash awards, along with substantial exposure benefits for selected photographers. The first place receives $500, second place $300, and third place $200. Beyond monetary awards, winners gain significant exposure through publication in AAP Magazine #56, distributed internationally, as well as extensive press coverage and recognition across photography communities globally. Additionally, the next 23 honorable mention photographers will have their best images or portfolios showcased in the printed magazine, further expanding their reach and professional recognition.
The early bird entry period closes on March 19, 2026, with a discounted rate of $30 for three images. After this date, standard entry fees of $35 per three images apply until the final submission deadline of March 31, 2026. Participation is straightforward: interested photographers must register at the All About Photo website and submit images directly through their online profiles.
AAP Magazine 56 Shadows stands out as an appealing contest due to its clear thematic focus and established international reach. The contest offers valuable exposure, networking opportunities, and credibility enhancement, especially valuable for photographers seeking to boost their professional profile.
Prizes
The AAP Magazine 56 Shadows contest provides not just monetary rewards, but also a substantial platform to showcase winning photographs. Recognition in such an esteemed publication as AAP Magazine significantly elevates a photographer’s career potential, making these awards highly sought-after in the photography community.
- 1st Place Winner
- Cash Prize: $500
- Exclusive interview and winning image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine Volume 56
- One free copy of AAP Magazine that will be for sale and distributed on Blurb.com
- Winning work showcased on the online Winners Gallery of All About Photo
- 2nd Place Winner
- Cash Prize: $300
- Winning image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine Volume 56
- One free copy of AAP Magazine that will be for sale and distributed on Blurb.com
- Winning work showcased on the online Winners Gallery of All About Photo
- 3rd Place Winner
- Cash Prize: $200
- Winning image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine Volume 56
- One free copy of AAP Magazine that will be for sale and distributed on Blurb.com
- Winning work showcased on the online Winners Gallery of All About Photo
- Particular Merit Mention
- The next 23 winners, ranked from 4th to 25th, will have their best image(s) or portfolio published in AAP Magazine Volume 56, enhancing visibility and recognition in international photographic circles.
Categories or Themes
The AAP Magazine 56 Shadows contest does not divide submissions into categories, enabling photographers the freedom to creatively interpret the theme of “Shadows” according to their artistic vision.
Participants are encouraged to submit a cohesive body of work or portfolio that vividly captures the poetry, mystery, and intensity of shadows in their preferred photographic genre. Images may be in color or black and white, and any capture method or process, whether digital or analog, including monochromatic toning, is welcome.
Dates and Entry Fees
Participating in the AAP Magazine 56 Shadows contest is straightforward, and especially cost-effective for photographers who enter during the early submission period:
Contest Dates:
- Early Bird Deadline: March 19, 2026
- Final Submission Deadline: March 31, 2026
Registration Fees:
- Early Bird: $30 for 3 images.
- Regular Fees: $35 for 3 images.
Entering the contest is simple. Participants need to create a profile on the All About Photo website and upload their images to their gallery, making participation accessible and straightforward.
About the Jury
The AAP Magazine 56 Shadows contest will be judged by esteemed photographer Sandrine Hermand-Grisel, the founder and editor of All About Photo. With extensive experience and recognition in the photographic community, her judgment provides credibility and ensures fair, professional, and insightful evaluation of all submissions. Participants can trust that their work will be viewed with a knowledgeable and appreciative eye.
Why Enter AAP Magazine 56 Shadows?
Participating in AAP Magazine 56 Shadows offers photographers numerous professional advantages. The thematic focus on shadows is artistically rich, encouraging creativity and personal expression. Winners receive significant benefits beyond cash prizes, including international visibility, professional credibility, and potential connections with influential figures within the photography industry. Furthermore, publication in AAP Magazine and the permanent exhibition in All About Photo’s online gallery positions participants within one of the top photography challenges online, making it highly beneficial for career growth and artistic exposure.
Rules and Copyright
This section about the rules and image rights of AAP Magazine 56 Shadows has been generated automatically. Review the contest’s full rules before participating.
Rules
- Open to photographers worldwide.
- Submissions must be related explicitly to the theme “Shadows”.
- Entries may be submitted as a cohesive body of work or portfolio.
- Images may be in color or black and white.
- Any capture method or process is accepted, whether digital or analog, including monochromatic toning.
- Images must be submitted digitally via the All About Photo website, following the specified requirements.
Copyright
Photographers retain full copyright ownership of their submitted images at all times. Images will be used strictly in connection with the awards and to promote the contest and winners. They will not be resold or used by any third party. If there is a request for such use, it will be forwarded to the photographer by email. Usage rights are limited to purposes connected with the competition and promoting All About Photo.
For more information and to enter the competition, visit: the official website.
